Potential Applications of Electrodynamic Tethers

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential uses of electrodynamic tethers in space, highlighting their advantages over traditional propellant-based systems and discussing various applications like radiation belt remediation and momentum exchange.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of electrodynamic tethers and discusses their potential applications, which are less explored compared to conventional propulsion methods.

Findings

Electrodynamic tethers can be used for radiation belt remediation.

EDTs offer a propellant-free alternative for space propulsion.

Potential for momentum exchange and satellite re-boosting.

Abstract

In recent decades, alternative propulsion systems have been investigated and have attracted great interest in the space community. Most of these alternative propulsion systems need propellants. One alternative propulsion system that does not require propellants and is not often discussed is electrodynamic tethers (EDTs). This paper speculates the potential applications of EDTs ranging from radiation belt remediation to momentum exchange tether re-boosting.